Blog Tour| Boyfriend Bargain – Ilsa Madden-Mills

After previously reading books by Ilsa Madden-Mills, Boyfriend Bargain really caught my interest. As a big fan of sports romances (especially hockey ones for some reason), I knew I needed this book. Thanks to the author and Social Butterfly PR for providing me with an ARC to read and review. During my post for this blog tour I will tell you all about what I thought of this book.

“Who can turn down a sexy hockey star with a big . . . stick? Zack is hot hot hot, and Sugar is the perfect blend of sweet and sassy! Their chemistry sizzles in Boyfriend Bargain!”

— Melanie Harlow, USA Today bestselling author

Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad boy athletes . . . until she’s forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all.

If only he knew she was alive.

Her mission? Get on this hockey player’s radar any way possible.

Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom—but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does—frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love.

But after one (um, two) smoking-hot hookups, he’s done with pretending and vows to make their fake relationship real. Too bad she can’t trust a player with a reputation for breaking hearts.

Will this hockey star score his forever girl or will their Boyfriend Bargain end in heartbreak?

I had high expectations for Boyfriend Bargain, because I have enjoyed the previous books by this author. I can honestly say that she didn’t disappoint! Boyfriend Bargain was a good balance of sports, romance, emotions, drama and some steamy moments! I also really loved that mental health was a big part of this book. Many people live with this every day and it’s nice to see that authors are embracing that and making their characters less perfect.

Sugar is a dedicated student and a bit of an introvert. Ten o’clock on Sunday evenings and she’s comfy at home studying or watching Game of Thrones again. That is her idea of a nice night and not being at a frat party, but anything for your dreams right?

Zack’s a star hockey player that all the girls want, but he hasn’t settled down. A night here or there is about all girls get from him. Until Sugar comes along that is. After seeing her the first time he felt an instant attraction. There are some things in his past he has to deal with and anxiety he is trying to get under control, so the last thing he needs is a girlfriend.

As the title states, Boyfriend Bargain. This was an element that wasn’t up front as I thought it would be. Yeah, the bargain is made and they act on it. We all know that real feelings come in to play, but it was like it just disappeared all of a sudden. I would’ve expected more drama. It didn’t mess up the story for me at all, but did confuse me.

I loved Sugar and Zach together. It’s clear they have chemistry and can’t not touch each other, but Sugar isn’t looking to act on that. She needs him to help with appearances for a college meeting she has in a few months and that’s it. They slowly start spending time together and I loved how it’s a mix of sexy, humor and some very emotional moments. It was refreshing to see characters talk about serious things and not only sleep together. Even though the steamy moments were good as well!

Besides their relationship, both of these characters had things from the past they had to deal with. This was weaved into the story in a nice way. It didn’t take it over, but didn’t leave us wondering either. Even though I would’ve liked to have seen just a bit more of Sugar’s side of the story. That did leave me wanting a bit more.

If you’re looking for a steamy romance that is also very sweet, great characters (including their friends and family), humor and some emotional events, definitely pick this one up. I’m sure you’ll hope this author turns this into a series as well. There are a few characters I would love to see more of.

Excerpt:

“We should kiss, just get it out of the way and move on,” I say, sure of the crazy idea as each second passes.

There’s a hitch in Z’s breath, and his eyes go straight to my lips. “Works for me.”

“But just one. None of that fancy tongue work.”

“Afraid of falling in love with me?” He grins.

Well. My eyes take in the broad shoulders and the dragon tattoo on his muscled chest. He’s definitely my type: pure, grade A male hotness—exactly what I don’t need. “I won’t fall in love.”

Another grin. “Liar.”

About Ilsa Madden-Mills

Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her contemporary romances ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Seven of her ten novels have placed in the Amazon US Store Top Six Best-seller List: Dirty English hit #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You hit #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things all placed #6 in the Amazon US Store.

The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, hit #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Boyfriend Bargain was a fun book, but definitely had it’s serious moments! I loved that the author showed what it’s like with someone for anxiety (even though everyone is definitely different) and that person come out and talk about it. I really hope a few other characters get their own book. Have you read this book? What did you think?

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